Bookzilla app accessibility statement

Introduction

This statement relates to the accessibility of the Bookzilla app which is run by Scottish Book Trust as part of its wider schools programmes. Scottish Book Trust is an independent national charity with a mission to ensure people living in Scotland have equal access to books. Everyone should have the opportunity to improve their life chances through books and the fundamental skills of reading and writing. We are committed to making our digital products accessible to as many people as possible. We want as many people as possible to be able to use the Bookzilla app and are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of the app.

AbilityNet(this link will open in a new window) provide advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

How accessible the Bookzilla app is

Our aim is to make the Bookzilla app as accessible as possible, however we know that some parts of the Bookzilla app are not fully accessible. For example:

• App orientation is locked in a portrait position.
• Visual presentation of text and images do not have a strong enough contrast ratio.
• Readability of the text and ability to resize the text needs improvement.
• Images of text are used to convey information without a text alternative.
• The purpose of links and a user's location within the app are not as clear as they could be.
• Touch target size, spacing and consistency of layout does not always meet the necessary standards.

Feedback and contact information

We're always looking to improve the accessibility of the Bookzilla app. If you find any problems not listed on this page or have any questions in relation to the accessibility of the app, contact us at digital@scottishbooktrust.com(this link will open in a new window) or by calling 0131 524 0160.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the 'accessibility regulations'). If you're not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).(this link will open in a new window)

Contacting us by phone or visiting our office

Unfortunately, our office at Sandeman House is not wheelchair accessible at this time. However, there may be something we can do to accommodate persons with certain mobility impairments. Please note, Sandeman House does not currently have an induction loop. If you have any questions regarding access to the building or gardens, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Meg Elphee on 0131 524 0173 or email Meg.Elphee@scottishbooktrust.com(this link will open in a new window).

Technical information about the Bookzilla app's accessibility

Scottish Book Trust is committed to making its website and digital products accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Website and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.(this link will open in a new window)

Compliance status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. This Bookzilla app is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1(this link will open in a new window) AA standard due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

For all areas currently non-compliant with accessibility regulations please see the Disproportionate burden section below.

Disproportionate burden

Due to current resources and existing budget within our charity, and having assessed the resource required to fix the issues outlined below, we believe that doing so now would be a disproportionate burden within the meaning of the accessibility regulations.

All future app updates will prioritise accessible design in the early planning stages, addressing these issues where possible and protecting against the introduction of further issues. We will also continue to review the feasibility of addressing these items within the available budget. The next budget review is due in March 2023.

The app orientation is fixed to portrait display. This means that some users who have devices mounted in a fixed orientation may be unable to use the app. This fails WCAG 1.3 success criterion 1.3.4 Orientation and WCAG Mobile Guidelines Principle 3 success criterion 3.1 Changing screen orientation. Due to current resources and prospective costs we are not currently able to undertake the redesign work required to implement a dual screen orientation in the app.

The visual presentation of text and non-text interface components do not always have a strong enough contrast ratio. This means that some users may find it difficult to read text on the app and navigate around the app. This fails WCAG 1.4 success criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) and 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast. Due to current resources and prospective costs we are not currently able to undertake the redesign work required to improve the contrast ratios throughout the app.

Readability of the text and ability to resize the text needs improvement. This means that some users may find the content on the app difficult to read or to navigate. This fails WCAG 1.4 success criterion 1.4.4 Resize Text and 1.4.12 Text Spacing along with WCAG Mobile Guidelines Principle 1 success criterion 1.1 Small Screen Size and 1.2 Zoom/Magnification. Due to current resources and prospective costs we are not currently able to undertake the redesign work required to improve the readability of the text across the app.

Images of text are used to convey information without a text alternative. This means that some users may find the content on the app difficult to read or to navigate. This fails WCAG 1.4 success criterion 1.4.5 Images of Text. This issue has partially been addressed with the addition of alt text readable via a screen reader. Due to current resources and prospective costs we are not currently able to undertake the redesign work required to make the book titles fully accessible.

The purpose of links and a user's location within the app are not as clear as they could be. This means a user might find it difficult to navigate through to app. This fails WCAG 2.4 success criterion 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context), 2.4.8 Location and 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) and WCAG 4.1 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value. Due to current resources and prospective costs we are not currently able to undertake the redesign work required to improve the user's experience of navigation through the app.

Touch target size, spacing and consistency of layout does not always meet the necessary standards. This means some users may find it difficult to operate the app functions. This fails WCAG Mobile Guidelines Principle 2 success criterion 2.2 Touch Target Size and Spacing and 2.5 Placing buttons where they are easy to access. Due to current resources and prospective costs we are not currently able to undertake the redesign work required to improve the accessibility of the layout of the app.

Content that's not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

There is currently no content on the app outwith the scope of accessibility regulations.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 11/07/2022. It was last reviewed on 11/07/2022. The app was last tested on 23/08/2021. The test was carried out by our development agency Dubit. All pages, sections and functionality of the app was tested as part of this test. Testing on Android was carried out using OS 11 and TalkBack screen reader. Testing on Apple was carried out using iOS 13 and VoiceOver screen reader.